To my dog in heaven,

Your days here on earth, you filled my life with nothing but unconditional love and fantastic memories. I knew that someday, no matter how much it pained me, you weren't gonna be by my side forever, but even then, I never knew how much I would miss you. I never knew how silent the house would become. I never knew how just looking at your food bowl could make me upset. I never knew how empty my bed would feel. And I definitely didn't know much my life would change without you here either.

But, I'm learning what that's like for the first time this Christmas.

You aren't here to see us put up the decorations this year, or watch Santa Claus pass our house on the firetruck, or your favorite (or at least my favorite), putting on your holiday sweater. But I will slowly and surely learn how cope with your loss, and celebrate the memories that we made before this holiday season.

It hasn't been an easy year without my best friend, and I've cried and carried myself through the past few months. The holidays can be tough on those who have lost someone or something, and I'm no exception. But I hope you spend your first Christmas in heaven the way you would spend it here, enjoying yourself and feeling loved.

It's not just the holidays you'll be missing, it's every milestone. I feel empty without your presence now on birthdays, graduations, and any little hurtle I overcome. I always wish that you were here, but I know your suffering had to end.

Man, I really hope you appreciate your pain-free life now.

One of the hardest days of my life was the one where I had to let you go. It would be selfish of me to let you live your life miserably, even though that's what I begged for. But I had to be strong for you and I had to let you feel the comfort you had provided me in the previous years. I don't love you any less, and the pain never quite subsides, but I've learned to continue to live my life with you always in the back of my mind.

To my dog in heaven,

Thank you. Thanks for changing my life - in the good ways and in the bad ways. Thanks for making me love. Thanks for making me grow. Thanks for some of the best years. I will never forget you, and I will look for you in my dreams until I see you again. Until then, enjoy running through endless fields filled with your favorite treats. I love you.